Snow White – Christmas Pantomime 2025

    FAMILY

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From Mon 22nd December 2025 to Sun 4th January 2026


by Tom Rolfe Productions – 21 shows to choose from.

The Fairest Pantomime of Them All

Mirror Mirror On The Wall…What’s The Fairest Pantomime of Them all?

It’s SNOW WHITE, of course, and it’s heading to The Blackburn Empire at Christmas 2025… Oh yes it is!

Tom Rolfe Productions are thrilled to be back with a brand new production bursting with dazzling costumes, hilarious comedy, sensational singing, beautiful scenery, and the coolest Magnificent Seven ever!

Will the wicked Queen Horibella manage to win the hand of Prince Charming? Will Snow White find the secret cottage? Will everyone live happily ever after? Find out by booking your tickets today!

Join us for Christmas 2025 and enjoy the fairest pantomime of them all! It’ll be Wicked!

BSL / Relaxed performance on Saturday 6th December at 6:30pm – Everyone welcome

This performance keeps all the usual panto fun – songs, jokes, audience participation and sparkle – but with live BSL interpretation, gentler lighting and sound, and a relaxed atmosphere. It is especially suitable for Deaf and hard-of-hearing audience members, autistic and neurodivergent people, children and adults with SEND, and anyone with sensory or communication needs, with freedom to move around, make noise, use headphones or take breaks if needed.

 

blackburn-empire-Man of the World: The Music of Peter Green

Man of the World: The Music of Peter Green

    MUSIC

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Friday 16th October 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

Celebrating the life and music of Peter Green, founder of the original Fleetwood Mac. Guitarist Remi Harris will be joined by vocalist Dave Small, bassist Tom Moore and Shane Dixon on drums to perform music from throughout Peter Green's career. Including such classics as Man Of The World, Black Magic Woman, Need Your Love So Bad, Albatross and The Green Manalishi (With The Two Prong Crown).

 

blackburn-empire-poster-MAMA presents - A Tribute to Genesis

MAMA presents – A Tribute to Genesis

    MUSIC

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Saturday 2nd May 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

Experience the power, passion, and precision of one of the UK’s most acclaimed Genesis tribute bands – Mama.

Renowned for their phenomenal musicianship and authentic recreations, Mama faithfully reproduce the sights and sounds of a high-octane Genesis rock concert, bringing fans the very best of this legendary band’s music.

From the progressive early Peter Gabriel years, through the chart-topping Phil Collins era of the 70s and 80s, right up to the band’s final studio album We Can’t Dance, Mama take you on an unforgettable journey through Genesis’ incredible catalogue.

Expect to hear all the classics – In The Cage Medley, Mama, Los Endos, Home By The Sea, The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway, and Ripples – plus fan favourites such as Follow You Follow Me, In The Air Tonight, No Son Of Mine, Land Of Confusion, and A Trick of The Tail.

Frontman John Wilkinson delivers the unmistakable Phil Collins vocal sound with electrifying accuracy, backed by a line-up of exceptional talent – Andy Keegan (keyboards), Simon D’Vali (guitars), James Cooper (drums), and Dave Jones (bass, 12-string guitar, bass pedals). Together, they create a show bursting with energy, emotion, and musical excellence.

As John says:

“The idea of a Mama show is to celebrate the music of Genesis by having a Genesis party. We’re huge Genesis fans, just like our audience. It’s amazing to meet so many likeminded fans as we tour the UK year after year – they know what they like!”

Join Mama for a night of epic anthems, musicianship, and nostalgia – a spectacular live celebration of Genesis that no true fan should miss!

 

blackburn-empire-Les Misérables : School Edition

Les Misérables : School Edition

    MUSIC

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From Fri 17th July 2026 to Sun 19th July 2026


by Act One Beginners – 5 shows to choose from.

Following
on from their two previous SOLD OUT productions of Disney's Frozen JR. in July
2024, and Dreamworks Shrek JR. in March 2025, Lancashire based Performing Arts
School, Act One Beginners, are back for FIVE PERFORMANCES in 2026 with the most
popular musical of all time 'Les Misérables'.

Winner
of over 100 international awards and seen by over 65 million people worldwide,
Les Misérables is an epic and uplifting story about the survival of the human
spirit. Now adapted for high school performers, Les Misérables School Edition
features one of the most memorable scores of all time and some of the most
memorable characters to ever grace your stage.

In 19th century France, Jean Valjean is released from years of unjust
imprisonment, but finds nothing in store for him but mistrust and mistreatment.
He breaks his parole in hopes of starting a new life, initiating a life-long
struggle for redemption as he is relentlessly pursued by police inspector
Javert, who refuses to believe Valjean can change his ways. Finally, during the
Paris student uprising of 1832, Javert must confront his ideals after Valjean
spares his life and saves that of the student revolutionary who has captured
the heart of Valjean's adopted daughter.

Epic, grand and uplifting, Les Misérables School Edition packs an emotional
wallop that has thrilled audiences all over the world. The sung-through piece
is ideal for a cast of exceptional singers and overflows with melodies that are
already standards. This author-approved edition has been abridged to a running
time of just over two hours, while carefully maintaining the integrity of one
the greatest musicals ever written.

Further
details about Act One Beginners can be found on their
website actonebeginners.uk or
via the usual social media links.

Les
Misérables : School Edition

Performed entirely by
students.

A musical by ALAIN BOUBLIL and CLAUDE-MICHEL SCHÖNBERG

School Edition special adaptation licensed by

MUSIC THEATRE INTERNATIONAL and CAMERON MACKINTOSH (OVERSEAS) LIMITED

 

blackburn-empire-Made for Stage – New Year Showcase 2026

Made for Stage – New Year Showcase 2026

    VARIETY

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Thu 15th January at 6:00pm & Thu 15th January 2026 at 7:30pm


by Made for Stage – 2 shows to choose from.

Join us as we kick off the new year with a bang!

Our incredible casts take to the stage to showcase everything they’ve been working on throughout the autumn term — bursting with talent, energy and that signature Made for Stage sparkle!

As we’ve continued to grow as a company, it’s no longer possible for all of our casts to perform at the Blackburn Christmas Light Switch On. This special showcase gives every remaining group their moment in the spotlight — a chance to shine and show parents, families and friends just how talented they truly are!

Featuring the majority of casts (with our Minis performing in the 6pm showcase only), this exciting event offers a sneak peek of what’s to come in our Summer 2025 production, along with a vibrant mix of musical theatre favourites and high-energy numbers.

Celebrate the new year with an evening of show-stopping performances from our amazing students — the perfect start to another unforgettable year of theatre!

 

blackburn-empire-Forever Billy Joel

Forever Billy Joel

    MUSIC

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Sunday 6th September 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

Get ready for an unforgettable musical journey as Phil Mountford, multi award-winning film composer and renowned performer, leads the sensational Forever Billy Joel tribute show! Celebrating the iconic songs and timeless hits of the legendary Piano Man, this tribute show delivers a powerful experience that will have you singing, swaying, and reminiscing from start to finish.

From “Piano Man” to “Uptown Girl”, “New York State of Mind” to “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant”, and “We Didn’t Start the Fire” to “Just the Way You Are”, the unforgettable performance delivers so many iconic songs you know and love.

This dedicated group of musicians, Forever Billy Joel, reimagines the sound and spirit of Billy Joel’s greatest hits, ensuring a seamless blend of nostalgia and fresh energy.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan of Billy Joel’s music or discovering his brilliance for the first time, Forever Billy Joel promises an incredible night of musical nostalgia, energy, and pure entertainment.

Join us for a tribute that honours the man, the music, and the legend.

 

blackburn-empire-Just Tina

Just Tina

    MUSIC

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Thursday 26th March 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

Come and shake a tail feather with the UK's supreme Tina – Justine – and her talented cast from the hit show Totally TINA!

This breathtaking recreation of a live Tina Turner concert celebrates the golden anniversary of the Queen of Rock 'n' Roll's signature tune Proud Mary. Tina's no-holds-barred take on the song established a reputation for fearsome live performances – and those never-ending legs!

Early hits, including River Deep – Mountain High and Nutbush City Limits, were just a taste of what was to come. We Don't Need Another Hero, Simply the Best, What's Love Got to Do With It, I Don't Wanna Lose You and When the Heartache is Over propelled Tina to stadium concert stardom.

Supported by her dazzling dancing girls in sequins, feathers and diamonds, Justine recreates those famed live performances for one night only.

 

blackburn-empire-Katie Hopkins: Free Range

Katie Hopkins: Free Range

    COMEDY

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From Wed 27th May 2026 to Sat 30th May 2026


Come and join your family on the road for another cracking evening out with British funny woman, Katie Hopkins. Whether you are 18 or 80, on date night with your hubby, a Single Pringle Mingle or a bus load of sturdy lesbians, you belong. Never heard of her? Even better.

After a fully SOLD OUT run in 2025, KATIE IS BACK with an ALL NEW SHOW for 2026, Katie will bring her unapologetic humour back to the stage for a night of laugh-out-loud stand-up comedy where you will remember how it feels to belong.

Katie is giving herself ‘FREE RANGE’ on all the usual targets: useless politicians, idiot celebrities and the morons in our midst. All your favourites from ‘Batsh*t Boners Britain’ will be in there: Lanyard Linda, Fat Brenda and Ceramic Bob head Rachel Reeves, together with Katie’s new characters for 2026.

Katie overshares her own humiliating failures for the biggest laughs; including her struggles with the thought police, Anusol sponsorship and a drooping undercarriage.

“I’m giving people free range to laugh with me and at me: No rules; no limits; no apologies. Have a night off from pretending to be proper, and laugh till your face hurts”. 

Quotes:

“We haven’t laughed that hard since the 70s” Adam, Rugby

“I brought my husband. He doesn’t know Katie. He is now her biggest fan, best date night ever” Rachel, Perth

“I laughed till I cried. I cannot remember the last time I laughed like that” Carolyn, Swansea

“What a lovely audience, all ages, all sorts” Skegness Empire Theatre

 

blackburn-empire-Here We Go Again – The Mamma Mia Tribute

Here We Go Again – The Mamma Mia Tribute

    MUSIC

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Thursday 4th June 2026 at 7:30pm


For one night only

KERRY KATONA stars in

‘HERE WE GO AGAIN’

The greatest party in the West End comes to you with the UK’s No.1 tribute to Mamma Mia! The Musical!

We’re sending out an SOS to anyone who might HAVE A DREAM of a great night out…

So grab your platform boots and sequined jumpsuits and join us for the ultimate non-stop tribute to Mamma Mia! The Musical.

Featuring a dynamite cast direct from London’s West End, this all-singing, all-dancing show will blow you away.

Singing along is encouraged, dancing in your seats is a given, and dressing up is always welcome.

Take a Chance and Gr-Abba ticket for a fabulous night of:
Non-stop hits, non-stop energy, and non-stop Mamma Mia!

VIP Meet & Greet Experience

Make your night extra special with our exclusive VIP Meet & Greet package, designed for an intimate and unforgettable pre-show experience.

Start time: 6:15pm
Welcome drink: Enjoy a complimentary glass of prosecco or orange juice on arrival
Signed keepsake: Receive a personally signed poster – one per guest

This is your chance to get up close and personal before the show begins.
Don’t miss out on this exclusive opportunity to make memories and take home a special souvenir!